Rooney responded to being given the skipper's armband for the first time in United's US tour by scoring the equalising goal to spark a comeback against bitter rivals Liverpool that earned them the Guinness International Champions Cup.

Rooney also awarded the player of the tournament award as United chalked up their fifth win and took their goals tally to 16.

Van Gaal suggested he is looking for a British player to take over the captain's job from Nemanja Vidic.

He said: "I am always looking for opportunities to give players the captain's armband. Today Rooney played 90 minutes for the first time on the tour.

"Darren Fletcher had already done the job three times because he played 90 minute sin those games while Tom Cleverley has also had it once in the game because he played 90 minutes. I think when it is possible you choose an English-style captain. That is when it is possible."

Van Gaal was pleased with Rooney's performance and agreed with the decision to select him as man of the tournament.

"He is a man who is always a winner," he added. "You saw in the World Cup when the [player of the tournament] award went to Lionel Messi it is not always like that.But Rooney deserved it because he scored a lot of goals and made assists. The judges are always looking for that.

"For Rooney the goal was very important [because it was against Liverpool] I believe - but you have to ask him yourself about that.

FIRST OF MANY? Darren Fletcher and Rooney lift the first trophy of the Van Gaal era [GETTY]

"It was a wonderful goal. When you see the technique and what he did to push the ball under the legs of the opponent and into the bottom corner. It was a great cross by Javier Hernandez of course, it was a very good attack.

"But we have also defended very well and without the defence we cannot score. A lot of my defenders could have been most valuable player of this tournament.

Asked if there was any significance in the victory for the season ahead, Van Gal said: "Nothing. It's nice for the fans in the USA but also at home that we beat Liverpool. It's not our favourite opponent I think for United fans.We have given a lot of pleasure to these fans and that is very important. And, of course it is better to win in pre-season than to lose.

"The most important game is Swansea home in the first game, that's the one we have to win."

Antonio Valencia limped off after early but Van Gaal suggested his injury is not serious.

"He had a feeling in his legs and I said before game that players had to listen to his body.

Because the accumulation of tiredness in this tournament is high. So he was clever to step out."

Van Gal refused again to discuss transfer targets with United still being linked with Juventus midfielder Artuor Vidal.

"New players? I cannot say anything fresh about players. That you can understand. When I say something it raises the price, so it's not nice."